Ruchira takes us on a tour of Karnataka, replete with history, sites and sounds that endears the heart. An exclusive for Different Truths.

As a four-year-old, I had accompanied my parents on a trip to Karnataka. Naturally, I remember almost nothing regarding that trip. Thankfully, when they planned another trip to that state, I was well into my final year at college.

Mention Karnataka and you will view a bevy of images: rustling, elegant silks, sandalwood products, aromatic coffee, and the delicious Mysore Paak among others.

Bengaluru, the capital city was beautiful and soothingly verdant during those days, not so anymore. I suppose, judging from TV channels reports on pot-holed roads, odorous lakes, and other water bodies spurring chemical froth – thus adding to the overall pollution of land. Last but not the least, the trans-modification of the city into a bustling cyber hub – one of the best in India – has taken its toll on the beauty and captive quality of the city. 

Vidhana Soudha

The star attraction of Bengaluru is the Vidhana Soudha (the legislative assembly hall). Built-in the neo-Dravidian style, it remains in the heart of the city in immaculate glory and splendor, a delight for sightseeing for sure.

Not very far away is located the famous Cubbon Park. The veritable lungs of the metropolis laid art during the days of the British Raj. It’s named after Mark Cubbon, the city’s longest-serving commissioner. A feast to the eyes. The well preserved, decently manicured green swathes, the vast range of flora and foliage is amazing.

Another lovable tourist destination of Bengaluru is the Lalbagh Botanical Garden – a vibrant, colourful spot to be in. The colonials were the best masters in carving out Botanical Gardens wherever they went, another remarkable specimen of which happens to be the Howrah Botanical Garden, near Kolkata. The iconic glasshouse in Lalbagh garden is the venue for flower shows which are held here periodically.

Palace of Tipu Sultan

Don’t miss out on the summer palace of Tipu Sultan (aka Tiger of Mysore) a legendary figure, heroic and controversial. It’s built in the Indo-Islamic style, its interiors carved entirely out of expensive teakwood (now a rare commodity) are picturesque and highly impressive.

Think Bengaluru and the name that automatically pops up next is that of Mysuru. The cities lie at a short distance from each other, with many interesting tourist destinations between them.   

Seringapatam, the erstwhile capital of Tipu’s domains lies midway between Bengaluru and Mysuru. Stop here to visit the mausoleum of the Royal family, known as the Gumbaz. Herein lie buried Hyder Ali, son of Tipu Sultan and his mother Faqu-un-Nisa set amidst a landscaped garden. This is another marvelous specimen of Persian architecture. Its spectacular dome conforms to what is hailed as the Bijapur style.

There is yet another summer palace of Tipu Sultan at Seringapatam (not to be confused with the one in Bengaluru). A museum located here showcases personal articles, artifacts, paintings, and other memorabilia of the Sultan and his family.

Chamundeshwari Temple

Onward to Mysuru, your itinerary must include the Chamundeshwari (a ferocious emanation of goddess Durga) temple. Located atop a hill, the area offers a 360-degree breathtaking view of the city sprawled below. Built in the quintessential Gopuram style the shrine depicts innumerable figurines drawn from scriptures, myths, and folklore.

Located in the premises is a gigantic, majestic image of the Nandi Bull (a close associate/follower of Lord Shiva). It has emerged as the official icon of the state’s tourism industry. The massive bull has reposed in utmost serenity over time.

Yet another landmark of Mysuru happens to be the Royal Palace, the family home of the Wodeyar dynasty. A branch of the family still occupies a portion of the place, though the rest of it is controlled by the state government. The grandeur and magnificence of the building are again breathtaking.

The palace complex becomes a hotspot of activity and celebration during the pan-India autumn festival of Dussehra every year. The brilliant pageantry of caparisoned elephants, light, and fireworks set the place ablaze. An occasion to remember indeed. We missed out on this since our tour happened in December.

Brindavan Gardens

As evening approaches, make your way to the world-renowned Brindavan Garden, adjoining the Krishna Sagar Dam, built across the Kaveri River. It is located some distance away from the city, a little to the north. As darkness engulfs the skies, the myriad lights come on and musical fountains begin to play, an ethereal spectacle unfolds before the eyes of the visitors. They are bound to find themselves spellbound.

While visiting Mysuru, shop to your heart’s content. Carry home sandalwood figurines, idols, statuettes of Buddha, Ganesha, Krishna, Gopala, and many more. Sandalwood oil is your balm cum perfume cum room freshener rolled into one. It’s a tad expensive on the pocket though. Pick and choose from yards and yards of silk fabric to decorate your wardrobe.

And finally, the aromatic ground coffee is bound to uplift your mood at the breakfast table and sustain it all day long. Diehard sweet tooths must dig heartily into the fabulous Mysore Paak available plentifully everywhere. It will lend your palate an out-of-this-world experience.

For everyone, there is the ubiquitous Bisi Bele Bath, the signature dish of the state. It is a hot pot combo dish packed with cereals, lentils, vegetables, and micronutrients galore, garnished with traditional spices. And it promises to keep you satiated till your next mealtime!

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Ruchira Adhikari Ghosh

Born in Guwahati Assam, Ruchira grew up in Delhi and Punjab. A product of Sacred Heart Convent, Ludhiana, she holds a Master’s degree in English Literature from Punjab University, Chandigarh. Armed with a P.G diploma in journalism in Journalism, she has been a pen-pusher for nearly 25 years. Her chequered career encompasses print, web, as well as television. She has metamorphosed as a feature writer, her forte being women’s issues, food, travel and literature.

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